What is Erectile Dysfunction?
What is Erectile Dysfunction? You are definitely not alone if you suffer from erection problems. Recent estimates show that 1 in 10 men have erection problems[1]. This is thought to be the equivalent of 150 million men worldwide[2] - or 30 million in the USA[3], 2.3 million in the UK[4] and 1 million in Australia[5]. All of us have a sexual drive that rises and falls at different times in our lives. Sexual arousal depends on a number of complex interwoven factors. This includes lifestyle, psychological, lack of desire, vascular, neural, endocrine/ hormonal, and even social conditioning - all play a part in the path to sexual arousal. Erectile dysfunction (or ED) is the medical term for having problems achieving or maintaining an erection. ED is usually only diagnosed, however, if the problem occurs repeatedly. Men are often embarrassed to discuss problems they may have, which creates a "culture of silence" around male health issues. So in reality the figures for male impotence could be much higher - especially if men who occasionally have problems are included. Problems can be either physiological or psychological and often become intertwined the longer the issue continues. This problem often impacts on a man (and his partner's) sex life. However, sexual intimacy is usually more than just the giving and receiving of pleasure but is an important part of human emotional and mental interaction, as well as communication. So, unsurprisingly erection problems can also lead to acute problems in relationships and a person's self-esteem. It also leads to avoidance of sex and creates communication barriers. Many men unable to sustain an erection report feeling inadequate or ashamed, increased anxiety, loss of confidence and tension within their relationships. A man gets an erection when blood engorges the spongy tissues of the penis and stops from flowing back out again. Erectile dysfunction or impotence is usually a symptom of another physiological or psychological problem. But it is not necessarily an inevitable part of getting older (although it is true that the conditions that can cause ED become more prevalent as we age). | Psychosocial issues | - Performance anxiety
- Sexual attitudes and upbringing
- Relationship problems
- Employment and financial pressures
- Depression
- Psychiatric disorders
| | Serious health (metabolic) problems | - Low Testosterone Levels
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Chronic renal failure
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnoea
| | Reduced blood flow | - Atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries)
| | Interference by medication, alcohol and other drugs | - Cigarettes
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Drugs used to treat:
- - Blood pressure
- - Cholesterol
- - Depression
- - Psychiatric disorders
- - Prostate cancer
| | Interference with nerve function | - Spinal cord trauma
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Pelvic surgery (prostate, bowel)
- Parkinson's Disease
- Alzheimer's Disease
| | Urological problems | - Peyronie's Disease
- Pelvic trauma
| (Source: Andrology Australia[6] website) Always seek the services of a qualified medical practitioner if you are concerned about your health.
[1] http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=210 [2] http://www.emaxhealth.com/52/3400.html [3] http://www.mmhc-online.com/articles/impotency.html [4] http://www.menshealthforum.co.uk/userpage1.cfm?item_id=1877 [5] http://www.respondagain.com.au/e/e0002.cfm [6] http://www.andrologyaustralia.org/pageContent.asp?pageCode=ERECCAUSES |
